Marble Runs Encourage Iteration and Testing

2nd grade students had quite the introduction to their Balance and Motion unit!

Their mission of the day was to create a roller coaster where one marble can travel in one full loop. After several attempts with relatively flat coasters, students realized that their designs needed improvements. The class as a whole "failed fast" and helped the culture of risk take form for the lesson. A group of designers held one end of their coaster up, and the rest of the class was able to benefit from this idea. The second graders were developing many ways to construct their designs and had to work together in teams to test the materials. After one full loop was accomplished, groups decided to challenge themselves and try for two loops!

Innovation Center

The Innovation Center is a comprehensive research and development center. It provides an environment tailored to aspiring student inventors, designers and entrepreneurs.